The Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church sits along busy U.S. 31 between Traverse City and Elk Rapids.
On the night we visit, a small group of people is gathered around a fire pit behind the church. They were hoping to see the northern lights, but with too many clouds in the way, they've opted for chatting instead.
Making the church grounds welcoming to aurora hunters is important to Fr. Ciprian Streza, the parish priest since 2011. The church was, in part, designed to accommodate night sky viewers. We talk with him about the power of people coming together, and the benefits of what he calls "active stillness."
Plus, IPR and Grist.org climate solutions reporter Izzy Ross talks to us about major pieces of climate legislation on the docket in Lansing — and how the clock might be ticking on Democratic lawmakers to fulfill an ambitious agenda.
It's a busy week! Thanks for listening.
